Xmas Escape (Rating: C)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

(7ish-mile, mainly flat, out-and-back moderate [roughly 3 mph while moving] hike. Rating: C)

Looking for a getaway after Christmas presents have been unwrapped and before a festive dinner -- or just looking for a hike if you don't celebrate Christmas? Please join us as we trek along the paved W&OD Trail, its dirt horse trail, and a couple of side trails. We will attempt a couple of stream crossings (hopefully not too wet from the drought) but you can detour around them. We'll start at the RED CABOOSE in Vienna and turn around at Hunter Mill Road at Reston's border.

MEET: Noon at the RED CABOOSE on the W&OD Trail ACROSS THE STREET FROM the Freeman Store & Museum, 131 Church Street, Vienna, VA. Copy these coordinates into Google Maps: 38.903539, -77.265726

IMPORTANT NOTES: PLEASE READ. YOU WILL BE GRADED ON THIS. Adults only and no pets, including pet reindeer. Bring: sense of humor and water. Optional binoculars, cameras, and iNaturalist apps are welcome since this stretch of the trail is usually birdy and the hike leader can't resist a good nature op. Please stay RIGHT on all public trails to allow bikes, runners, walkers, and sleighs to safely pass us. Finish time of 3:30 pm is approximate.

RESTROOMS: Commercial/town restrooms will likely be closed for Christmas so stop by a restroom beforehand. There are portapotties at our turnaround point (and biobreaks available about half-way there).

PARKING: Free street parking by meeting place and additional parking in the lot at the nearby Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA. (PLEASE READ THE SIGNS. DON'T PARK WHERE IT SAYS NO W&OD PARKING OR YOU COULD BE TOWED.)

W&OD TRAIL:
(Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park)
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/washington-and-old-dominion-railroad-regional-park

W&OD TRAIL MAP:
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/Viewer/index.html?appid=58c4130464c747abb0f70fce13b30729

CLOSEST METRO: Vienna-Fairfax/GMU station on the Orange Line.
https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/vienna.cfm